Cody Medina
Cody Medina
November 20, 2020 ·  3 min read

People Are Pulling Their Hair Out Trying to Solve This Math Problem

Solving math problems has been proven to stimulate your brain in the best ways possible. Even though a large number of people would agree they do not like math problems. However, the more you are willing to challenge yourself the more you get out of these kinds of puzzles. You might be surprised as to how much you already knew! Try to solve this math problem and see how well you do.

Solve This Math Problem

One photo of four different math problems

Do you think you know the answer already? It might seem obvious, however, this math problem is a lot trickier than you’d think. If you came up with the answer 40, you’re very close! This is what you might’ve done to get this answer.

  • 1 + 4 = 5
  • 2 + 5 = 12 (adding the last sum of 5)
  • 3 + 9 = 21 (adding 12)
  • 8 + 11 = 40 (adding 21)

This, however, is not the correct answer to solve this math problem. There is actually more to the math in order to get the true answer.

Read: Only 1% of People Who Tried Could Solve This Riddle. Can You Solve It?

The Answer

Although you definitely need to use addition to solve this math problem, you will also need to multiply.

  • 1 x 4 + 1 = 5
  • 2 x 5 + 2 = 12
  • 3 x 6 + 3 = 21
  • 8 x 11 + 8 = 96

The actual answer to this problem is 96. Instead of using addition all the way through, you must multiply at the beginning of every equation. This math problem is a little tricky to solve and requires a lot of critical thinking skills. However, this brain stimulator is just one of the many math problems that help keep you sharp.

Solve These Math Problems

If you’re looking for something more challenging, then you may want to test yourself with some of these brain teasers. This time, you are looking for a pattern in the math problems.

One photo with five different math problems

In order to solve this math problem, you are going to have to think outside of the box. Look at the numbers closely. Do you think there’s something that these equations might have in common? Even though this looks impossible, there is a secret way to find the answer. It has more to do with several individual numbers rather than one large number for the answer.

Do you give up? Try looking at the equations like this:

  1. 8+2 = 16106
  2. 8×2 = 16
  3. 8+2 = 10
  4. 8-2 = 6

This formula is the key to solving each of these difficult math problems. You use addition, subtraction, and multiplication to reveal the pattern in the equations.

Try Solving This Viral Japanese Math Problem

If the last few math problems seemed a little too easy for you, then maybe this will prove to be a worthy challenge. This math problem went viral in Japan and has a lot of people second-guessing themselves about the answer. This math problem requires a certain level of critical thinking few possess. Do you think you can solve it?

One image that shows the japanese viral math problem

Try not to use your calculator! If you do, you might actually find that the answer you end up with is wrong. There is only one way you are able to find the sum to this difficult math problem. What do you think it might be?

Do you give up? Try using the order of operations technique:

B – brackets
E – exponents
D – division
M – multiplications
A – addition
S – subtraction

First, solving what’s in the brackets. Second, solving for the new numbers that contain exponents. Third, now you start dividing with what you have. Fourth, using multiplication. Fifth, adding the totals of what you’ve calculated. Last, subtracting the final product of the equation. This should give you the answer. Watch this video if you need assistance.

Keep reading: Here’s the Correct Answer to this Viral Math Problem That is Dividing the Internet